My Papa

Yesterday in Pensacola someone quietly turned 80 years old. His name is George Watson but to his family he is our “Papa”.
Now the catch to this is that he is not my father or my father-in-law, but is my “former father-in-law” and he is also my next door neighbor. You know it’s the type of thing they like to put on Jerry Springer. I’m afraid people would be disappointed though if they want to see a fight, for I love him very much and he thinks of me as one of his own still.
I met Papa when I was 13. He owned the ‘Friendly Plumber’ here in Pensacola and on Fridays I would get the opportunity to go to their house for steak and a discussion of the week they had with business or politics. The one thing as a teen that I always remembered about him is although he DID complain about our local government, he also seemed willing to help change it and he truly cared about the people of Pensacola and for the well being for his future grandchildren.
He told me his story of coming out a rough area of Texas and although he had every opportunity to take the wrong roads in life, he had a desire to succeed and boy did he ever.
He later sold the Friendly Plumber which did very well and started a group in Pensacola called TRIM which stood for Tax Reform in Motion. He was applauded by many in Florida and other states for his role in attempting to cut wasted tax money. His grandchildren knew from toddlers that their grandfather was contributing his time to help our government.
A few years later they were able to observe how an election as they helped their Papa win a seat on the Escambia County Utility Board. He served honorable for many years.
He is now retired and though he struggles each day with lung problems he still enjoys life and spending time with each of us and the love of his life, Grams. On Saturdays, ALL of us meet at their house and have lunch. It warms my heart to hear him say the blessing. He has taught me so many things in these last thirty plus years and we are praying for many more with him.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Carolyn

It was fall of 1976 I was in the eighth grade and minding my own business in the gym for PE. (if you are legally blind like me – that also meant trying to stay alive and avoid being hit in the face by stray objects) On that particular day- I was NOT successful. I don’t remember the sport we were playing but I had been hit enough times that the teacher though it might do me some good to rest a few minutes on the side.

The girls in my PE class were always kind to me and since I didn’t talk much about my sight or lack thereof they didn’t really know how to treat me at times, but they were never mean to me. Most of them had been in school with me since kindergarten.

My life was happy and made sense - UNTIL that moment when I was helped to the sidelines and the NEW girl walked over and sat next to me. I had seen her earlier that morning on my bus. She looked over at me and so I did the decent thing and looked back at her and she screamed, “WHAT?” NO ONE had EVER screamed at ME at school before. Everyone else took care of me and the infidel had waltzed in and screamed, “WHAT!” at me for NO reason! I was offended at the least and on the verge of tears. I was wearing a mood ring which was ‘the thing’ in the mid ‘70s. My cousin Deborah had let me borrow it for the day and this NEW girl wanted to see it. I did not know her and had already decided I DID NOT much like her so why would I take my cousin’s ring off and hand it to HER?
At that moment the teacher left the gym and the mean girl was ticked off that I hadn’t handed over the ring so she punched me in the arm! I stood there in shock! I could have her suspended for that and DID want to just start bawling my eyes out but I knew she would never let me live it down so after standing there for a minute I said, “What is YOUR problem?” I had never said that to anybody before… and couldn’t believe it came out of my mouth! I was the mousy little quiet one who had never stood up to ANYBODY!
She answered, “My problem is YOU- everyone treats you like a little angel and acts like you’re going to break. She then asked, “What’s your deal anyway?” Hum, that was the first person who had ever asked me what my ‘deal’ was. I said “Do you mean my sight?”, and she looked at me as if to say, “Duh”, so I began to explain the condition to her. “You are still a regular person silly”, she said to me and then walked away. After I told her everything I was still in fear because I though she might use it against me when I least expected it! Lol
The next morning I dreaded riding the bus because I knew SHE would be there. When the bus door opened I gingerly stepped in and when the sun is out I can’t see people, just their form so you had to call out my name for me to sit with you or I just sat wherever I could make out an empty space. That morning someone said, “Come sit here.” I recognized the voice at once. It was HER but she sounded nice this time. I sat down and she said, “My name is Carolyn James” She went on to explain she had just moved here from Puerto Rico.
Thirty plus years later, I still remember that as a turning point in my life and will forever be grateful to my ‘sis’ Carolyn for showing me that I’m just like anyone else. She toughened me up a little that day and through these many years she has made me step outside my “comfort zone” when I needed it.
We have been to each others’ weddings and births of children and sadly, deaths of family members. We have helped each other through horrific circumstances that are still hard to talk about.
The Lord knew all those years ago that I needed a punch in the arm and a friend for life. I love you Carolyn!
Happy Birthday

I had the opportunity of taking a night flight out of Raleigh this last week. It is always interesting to see the city view from up above it all. As we left the runway clusters of lights from area homes began to come into view and I began to think. In each one of those homes represents lives in the process of going on with their daily routine and duties. In some cases there was joy over a new job found. In some there may be sadness due to divorce. In the family of the home I had just said goodbye to lives a Colonel and his dear wife, who also happens to be my lifelong friend and cousin, Deborah. They are struggling with the news of cancer right now. Please pray for Steve as he begins chemo treatments next Wednesday. Another sweet cousin Dana and her husband Troy live close by and are dealing with the loss of Troy’s dad last week.
As we lifted higher and higher into the sky there were so MANY dots of lights from homes that they could not be counted. It made me smile to think that God sees each one of those lights but even more importantly He sees each soul in each of those homes and He loves and cares for them all. He hears each prayer and sees each tear that falls.
Soon clouds overtook the view and though those homes could no longer be seen , the Lord never lost sight of them and He protects each one of His own under the shelter of His wings.

Hard Things

Hard Things

About ten years ago our youth group at church did a missions project in Pensacola. Our fearless leaders Dave Paxton and Jeff Fields decided on a neighborhood and I was asked to help. Our daughter Tiffany was in the 9th grade and I thought it would be a great idea to be part of what they were doing. Our neighborhood of ministry was Pensacola Village. For those of you not familiar with that area, it is a housing project that is wrought with the pain of drugs and violence. There is usually a police car on stand by 24 hours a day there. The days are much safer than the nights. It would be a Monday thru Friday five day club type atmosphere with lunch provided.
Our first day there we watched the kids come in from every direction. They loved the attention. Our youth group numbered about 50 or so, so they could have one on one time with each child. There were a group of older kids from the area who were not happy about us being there. The first day in fact, my daughter was hit in the head by a boy with a slingshot who was quite far away from her. Talk about good aim! That is not what went through my head at that moment though. My first thought was “You Nut”. Tiffany’s head began to swell and she had a large goose egg by the end of the day. I told her that we didn’t have to go back the next day. She didn’t want to give up though so we continued on.
The next day I was working with a group of second graders and of course when I’m outside even with sunglasses, it is very obvious that I have an eye problem. One of the children piped up and asked in a way that was just way too cute…”What beeeeeezz WRONG with your eyes?” I told her that I don’t see very well, so of course her next question was “Can you see me?” I told her yes and she wanted me to prove it by me telling her what she had on. After I passed her test, I told the group that we all have problems. Some we can see like my eyes moving and some are hidden on the inside. She answered “Like ME being sad all the time cuz my Mama gets hit by her boyfriend and my Daddy’s in jail” The whole group then began opening up about their sadness and after talking and praying with them, my heart was full. She became my shadow that week and even though Dave and Jeff may have thought at times we had gotten in over our head with that project, I just want to let them know that it was one of those life changing weeks. The hard things in life usually turn out to be the best learning times.

Friends in Low Places

Friends in Low Places

In the ‘90s Garth Brooks became a household name and his song ‘Friends in Low Places’ was a huge hit. Whether or not you are a country music fan; it was hard not to know part of the lyrics. It was played everywhere. I even have a very close relative whom shall remain nameless who could sing it quite well.
I have many friends in low places at the moment. Thankfully they aren’t “chasing their blues away” with whisky but none the less they are dealing with tough times. Some are fighting cancer and some are watching someone fight cancer. Some just lost loved ones, and some are saying good-bye to loved ones who don’t have much time left. Others are fight to stay afloat financially and several have had to file bankruptcy. A few couples are holding on to their marriage by their fingernails and praying for a miracle to happen in their spouse’s heart.
When I look over my prayer list of friends and family lately, it is a little overwhelming. All of these needs and all of these hurts. How important are all of these people and situations to our Heavenly Father? I read this last night and wanted to share it with you because it gave my comfort to know God loves us and cares for us more that we can imagine. He is in control of it all.



God’s eye is on the Sparrow.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your heavenly Parent. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31 (NRSV)
Several years ago I was serving on a Navy ship. We were many miles from land in a foreign ocean far from home. One day I noticed several sailors playing "catch" with an object. When they saw me approach, they tried to hide whatever they were playing with. I asked to see whatever "it" was. It was a sparrow. That little bird had flown miles from home. It had landed on the ship in exhaustion. Cruel and thoughtless sailors tormented the poor creature. They were about to throw it into the ocean to drown.
Reluctantly, the sailors gave me the bird. I took it to the medical department where a tender hearted medic helped me find a box to lay the bird. We lined it with soft cotton, placed water and food near-by and placed the bird in a quiet place to die undisturbed. Some on the ship ridiculed our concern for the tiny creature. But the medic and I understood "in God, all are sacred." Even this little bird was cherished by a tender, loving heavenly Creator. God’s heartbeat is love for all creatures, "great and small."
The sparrow died several hours later. The tender hearted medic approached me shyly with her request. "Could we have a memorial for the bird? Just the two of us? It’s so sad that the bird died." Quietly we went to the back of the ship. I read a burial at sea memorial service from a prayer book. We committed the remains of the little bird to the sea. Several sailors again mocked our compassion. But the medic and I understood God cared and grieved with us in the loss of life. Even little birds are significant to a loving God.
God knew when that little bird was exhausted and unable to return to the safety of its nest. God knew when it was tormented by the sailors. God provided kindness, refuge and a quiet place for the little one to breathe its last breath. God saw, cared and provided for the little bird. One little bird was significant to the Tender One.
We have Jesus’ word for that. Jesus also said, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your dear heavenly Parent feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (Mt. 6: 26-27)
Dear reader, we are precious to God. God will take care of us. God’s eye is on the sparrow. God’s eye is on you with tenderness. God’s heartbeat is love. You are cherished, valued, loved beyond understanding just as you are.

I was given the wonderful pleasure of reconnecting with one of my favorite teachers whom I hadn't seen in close to thirty years, Miss Kathy Kemp. (She said we get to call her Kathy now but we still found it hard to do :) ) She taught my classmates and me in second and seventh grade at Pensacola Christian. She made at indelible mark for good in my life. It was 1976 and I had American History with her. She made the 200 year anniversary of our country come alive to impressionable 7th graders. She had the choice of enduring the hour with us or putting her heart and soul into teaching in a way we will never forget. Thank you Miss Kemp.
We all enjoyed our time with her and catching up on all that she has experienced since leaving Pensacola. One fact that you may find interesting...There is this boy band.... The Jonas Brothers.... you know the group that is now almost bigger than the Beatles? She is their tutor. She has taught them for six years. I'm sure they are enjoying her as much as I did!

When Trials Come

It has been a very trying week for our family. Monday night I came close to losing someone dear to me. After calling the ambulance I asked the Lord to save her life. It is a feeling of terror which is hard to explain. As my daughter and I left to meet her at the ER, I prayed for peace for my friend and her husband and for my family.
My mind whirled with questions mixed with many what ifs.... At the end of each question and concern I came back to the same answer...
God was in control. No matter what the outcome. God created my friend and He loves my friend more than I ever could. He knows the number of hairs on her head and He knows the number of days she will live on this earth. Though I couldn't remember the reference, the Lord put this verse in my heart and mind that night.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

My friend is recovery and though I don't want to give out her name, we do covet your prayers as she starts a rehab program.

My Unfriendly Neighbor

I walked outside one day and looked over at my next door neighbor. They appeared to be doing yard work and moving at a snails' pace. I wanted to be the first to say Hi to them because most of the time people see me before I'm able to see them and I know I come across as unfriendly. I was so excited to be able to see them first and threw up my hand and said "Good morning". They did not respond right away and sometimes I speak too softly so again in a much louder voice I said "GOOD MORNING". Still no answer, now I was a little ticked about their rudeness. My daughter who was about 11 or 12 at the time, came out to see who I was talking to. I explained and said I would try once more to get their attention. She simply grinned and as she walked away from me she said "Mama, it's their garbage can".
Through the years I have learned to laugh at myself. Having a sense of humor is vital. It is also important to realize that things are not always as they appear. What I saw as a person was in fact a garbage can. We have our own preconceived ideas of whom a person is before we get to know them. We judge too quickly or just write them off. Mine was a garbage can that I thought was real but often "real" people are cast off as garbage and ignored. God taught me a great lesson that day. I also learned to get a little closer to the object I was speaking to to make sure it could speak back!

Hebrews 13:2-3
Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don't forget about those in jail. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, for you know what they are going through.

The Toy

I just placed in the garbage can a toy that my son has held onto for many years. It was a simple toy and beat up by time and wear but it held great significance to him. A friend whom he lost years past played with this toy with David. It took time for David to release this item but he no longer needs it to remember his friend. There are some things we need to hold on to in life and some things that we need to say goodbye to and move on. Not that we forget those memories but sometimes they bind us to the past.

Questions

OK more answers to questions coming to my email.
Why don't I wear glasses if I'm blind as a bat? I did wear them for several years as a child but Drs. finally realized that glasses did no good with the condition I have. I've been to many Drs. some came from other countries even, and my parents spent most of their savings probably, to find out there is nothing that can be done.
What was life like at a child? Well, thanks to very wise parents, my life was pretty normal. My parents actually put me in Pensacola Christian which was the toughest school in Pensacola, and I'm sure they spent many nights praying that I would make it there. I've never been able to see the chalkboard or for you young ones, the white board. God always provided dear friends to help me. In kindergarten, He brought a lifelong friend. Her name was Angela. She would tell me what the assignments were for the day , get me to my bus and help me around the halls until I had them memorized. Angela went on to achieve her PhD and we are still dear friends today although we live on opposite sides of the U.S.

Here is a link for those that wanted the Ocular Albinism link from the NOAH organization. http://www.albinism.org/publications/ocular.html
For those parents who have written and feel overwhelmed with your child's condition, I just want to say that there are many success stories from those of us who have OC. My parents learned early on to take each day as it comes and let your children try new things within reason. More on that later.
Pastor Traylor said in his sermon Sunday that the statement "God will never give you more than we can handle" is NOT a true statement. God sometimes DOES give us more than WE can handle, but when we rely on Him, He gives us the strength to handle it.

A friend came by to visit with us yesterday and we had a wonderful time catching up on life and such. After she left, I was closing the front door and there in the hall I saw a spider web! For those of you that know my OCD tendencies, you know I was embarrassed to find it and hoped she didn't see it but knew she probably did. It was past lunch time and I didn't want to bother with it then so I warmed up my "yummy" Lean Cuisine and started several other projects. Later I walked in the hall and saw it hadn't moved. The web was indeed still there, but STILL chose to find other things to do. I even mentioned it to my family, but still, it sat there. I then in my mind thought " Well they see it now, why can't THEY get it?".
So many times in my Christian walk, a flaw or sin comes into my life and I choose to ignore it or think it's not very big or blame other people. It's a little like looking in a mirror and seeing chocolate on the side of you mouth and doing nothing about it. Some sins can be seen and others are hidden, but we still know they are there. They tend to grow like the spider web also.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:22-24
Did I get the spider web? Did I MENTION I was OCD. Yes, of course I removed it! It did eat at me until I did though.

I keep getting emails asking why I named my site "Life is Bright". Let me answer everyone at one time. I have a condition known as Ocular Albinism. I have had it since birth. It's a defect with the iris in the eye. There is no control in how much light is allowed to enter the eye. It would be like you having a spotlight shining in your eyes anytime you were awake. Hence, "Life is Bright". One of the downfalls of this is that everyone who walks toward me is a dark shadow. The light overpowers the person. I am also legally blind so yep you guessed it Blind and Blond makes for TONS of jokes from all of my FRIENDS.
In my early years I did not cope well with my condition. I prayed each day as a child and teen that God would help Drs. find a cure for this. When the teen years came, all of my friends were peeling into the school parking lot in their Mustangs and I had to come back my Jr. year to tell them the Drs. said I would probably never drive. I grew to resent my condition even though God blessed me with tons of great and understanding friends, I still felt like a freak.
Through the years the Lord has taught me many valuable lessons about being DIFFERENT. Though they have never found a cure and though I probably will never drive, I now understand that He created me for His purpose. He had crafted me and I have peace in that. Do I get frustrated? You bet, but doesn't everyone get frustrated with one thing or the other about themselves? When those times come I count my blessings and walk on.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11